Dispensing device for heated fluent products

ABSTRACT

A dispensing device for dispensing a heated fluent product from a container comprises a base portion having a vertical heating probe, and a body portion having axially aligned recesses for receiving the heating probe and the product container. The product is heated prior to being dispensed by means of a series of passageways formed from channels molded into the inside surface of the probe-receiving recess which convey the product adjacent the heated probe. The vertical alignment of the heating probe and the axial alignment of the recesses in the body portion make the dispensing device more economical to manufacture and more convenient to use. The support provided to the heating probe by the base portion makes the probe easier to store, particularly when still hot. A removable tab extending into the housing of the body portion prevents inadvertent actuation of the dispenser during storage or transit.

United States Patent [191 Radcliffe et' al.

1111 3,843,022 Oct. 22, 1974 DISPENSING DEVICE FOR HEATED PrimaryExaminer-Robert B. Reeves FLUENT PRODUCTS Assistant Examiner-FrederickR. Handren [75] Inventors: Remington Radcliffe; Meyric K.

Rogers, both of Lancaster, Pa. [57] ABSTRACT [73] Assignee: SchickIncorporated, Lancaster, Pa. A p ing e ce or ispensing a heated fluentproduct from a container comprises a base portion [22] Filed July 1973having a vertical heating probe, and a body portion [21] App}, No.;381,048 having axially aligned recesses for receiving the heating probeand the product container. The product is ,heated prior to beingdispensed by means of a series of [52] US. Cl 222/146 HA, 222/325,219/214, passageways formed from channels molded into the Int Cl Binside surface of the probe-receiving recess which I u o e s a a s a e en [58] new of Search 222/ 1463M vertical alignment of the heating probeand the axial 222/146 19/ 06 alignment of the recesses in the bodyportion make the dispensing device more economical to manufac- [56]References cued ture and more convenient to use. The support pro- UNITEDSTATES PATENTS vided to the heating probe by the base portion makes3,158,292 11/1964 ODonnell 222/153 the probe easier to store,particularly when still hot. A 3,372,840 3/ 1968 Kelley 222/146 HAremovable tab extending into the housing of the body 3,417,173 12/1968Harrison t 219/302 portion prevents inadvertent actuation 0f the dis-3,498,504 3 1970 Wilkins 222/14 HA penser during Storage or transit3,758,002 9/1973 Doyce et al 222/146 HA 7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures 4o 7I9 H 4| 1 I] I- N fl t 28 1 2',

27 v 1 42: r N 28 1 l 32 32 I \ds5 \Z\\| l l i6 y 14 4' 49 I I \\\I r A422:9; 'so 14 as Q, 34

,"l 24 I I I I I I I; I I 51 23 50 23 PATENTIZU 3.843.022 SHEH 10$ 3PAIENTE 0121221914 SHEE- BUF 8 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ics, shavingcream, food products, and thelike have been packaged either in aerosolform, i.e., packaged in a can under gaseous pressure to render themexpendl able from the can in controlled amounts by reason of suchpressure and in response to manipulation of a spring-biased valvemechanism, or in compressible container form wherein they are dispensedby manual compression of the container. Many of these fluent productsbenefit from being heated prior to being dispensed. For example, heatedshaving cream is more pleasant to use and more effective in softeningthe beard when the user is finished shaving, and various food products,such as cheese whips, are tastier and more easily served when heated.

Onedispensing device which has been particulary successful for thispurpose is the device shown and described in the co-pending applicationof the present in- 3 ventor, Ser. No. 359,026, filedMay 10, 1973, andassigned to the present assignee. This device obtains good heat transferbetween its electrical heating element and the fluid product without thecomplex labyrinth of passageways employed in prior art devices; whichmade access for cleaning virtually impossible, and which resulted incontamination of subsequent products by remnants of a previously-usedproduct. Furthermore, the aforementioned device utilizes a removableheating element which facilitates submersion of the housing of thedevice in water for convenient cleaning, and which provides the economyof being able to use a single heating element with multiple dispensingdevices.

While the aforementioned dispensing device provided good operationalperformance, in use its plastic housing was in some cases too light inweight to provide a desired degree of stability, and when permanentlyattached to a product container was undesirably costly for disposal upondepletion of the container. Furthermore, the removable heating probeassembly of the device was not always convenient to store when removedfrom the housing; often having to be stored with its heating surfaceresting on a supporting surface with the attendant danger of burn damageto the surface. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to animproved and more economical construction of the aforementioned fluiddispensing device which makes removal of the heating probe from thehousing more convenient, and which provides a higher degree of stabilityto the dispenser device while in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a general object of thepresent invention to provide a new and improved dispensing device fordispensing a heated fluid product.

It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide animproved dispensing device for dispensing heated fluid productscontained in aerosol-type containers or the like.

It is another specific object of the present invention to provide adispensing device for dispensing a heated fluid product from a containerwhich is more convenient to use.

It is another specific object of the present invention to provide adispensing device for dispensing a heated fluid product which is moreeconomical to manufacture.

It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide adispensing device for dispensing a heated fluid product which providesprotection against inadvertent dispensing of the product during shipmentor storage.

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a dispensing device fordispensing aheated fluid product from a container having a dischargenozzle at one end. The device comprises a base portion comprising aheating probe and a base for supporting the heating probe in a verticalupstanding position, and a body portion comprising a housing havingmeans for receiving the product container, a dispensing port fordelivering the product to a user, and a recess for receiving the heatingprobe. Means comprising a passageway for carrying the product from thedischarge nozzle to the dispensing port, at least a portion of thepassageway comprising in part a channel molded into the inside surfaceof the probe-receiving recess, are provided for conveying the product insufficiently close proximity to the heating probe such that the productis heated prior to discharge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features of the present invention,which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in theappended claims. The invention, together with the further objects andadvantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and theseveral figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements,and in which:

FIG. I is a perspective view of a dispensing device constructed inaccordance with the invention showing its use in connection with anaerosol-type fluid product container.

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the dispensing device of FIG. 1showing the various components thereof, i.e. the product container, thebody portion and the base portion, separated and aligned for assembly.

FIG. 3 is a crosssectional view taken along lines 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken alonglines 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view showing the fluid passageways of thedispensing device of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Although it will be appreciatedthat the principles of particular utility with respect to smalltable-top devices for dispensing heated fluid products, and accordinglywill be described with particular reference to an exemplary embodimentwherein the dispensing device receives a pressurized aerosol-typecontainer, wherein the product is discharged under pressure from thecontainer and'ther'eupon passes through one or more passageways adjacenta vertical probe-like heating surface to emerge heated from a dispensingport disposed medially the body portion of thedevice.

Referring nowto the figuresin greater detail, and in particular to FIGS.1 and 2, a table-top dispensing device constructed in accordance withthe invention is seen to comprise a body portion 11 having a housing 12of generally frusto-conical form, and a base portion 13 having a housing14 of generally cylindrical form. Housing 11 and housing 13 aredimensioned to provide a smoothcontiguous outside surface for thedispensing device 10 when the body portion and base portion 13 are inmating engagement.

A wedge-shaped product dispensing recess 15 and a product discharge port16 centrally'disposed therein are provided at the front of housing 12for the'purpose of conveniently dispensing a heated fluid product to theuser of the device. A recess 17 is also provided at the top of housing12 for receiving the major portion of the cylindrical body of anaerosol-type container 18 of the productto be dispensed, the containerbeing inverted and inserted into recess 17 at the top margin of the bodyhousing. The container includes a manuallyactuated discharge spout 19through which the product is dispensed when the user pushes down on'thecontainer. I I

The housing 14 0f base portion 13 supports a heating probe 20 invertical upstanding relationship to the surface on which thedispenser issetting. A hollow cylindrical extension 21 of reduced diameter isprovided from the top surface of housing 14 concentric with and spacedapart from heating probe 20 to provide a better engagement between bodyportion 11 and base portion 13 and to help shield the user of theappliance from inadvertent contact with the probe. An indicator jewel 22is provided in the base portion to'indicate when the heating probe is atoperating temperature, and a plurality of skid-resistant rubber feet 23may be provided underneath the base to aid in providing a stable basefor the dispensing device. Alternatively, suitable downwardly-extendingprojections may be provided on housing. 14 for the same purpose. A powercord 24 extending from. the bottom of housing 14 conveys line current tothe heating probe 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the product container 18 is seen tobe held in position by means of an annular retainer ring 25 whichfrictionally engages the inside surface of recess -17 and the rim of thedomeshaped inverted end of the container 18. One or more bosses 26 maybe provided about the circumference of recess 17 to prevent removal ofcontainer 18 once inserted. In practice, the dispensing device 10 may bemarketed either with the container 18 in place and secured by retainerring 25, or may be marketed separately with the proviso that the userinsert the product container into the housing. i

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the heating probe 20 is seen to bereceived by a cylindrical recess 27 molded into the bottom of housing12. This recess is preferably lined with a complementarily shaped sleeve28 which is open at its bottom end and closed at its top end to form aliquid-tight receptacle for receiving heating probe 20. Sleeve 28, whichmay be formed of aluminum or a similar high-heat-conductivity metal,includes a rim portion 30 surrounding its open end to forminterconnecting passageways for the product, as will be describedpresently. The margins of the rim portion 30 are preferably turnedupward to engage an annular boss 31 provided at the 'rim of recess 27 tohold sleeve 28 in position. l

The heat transfer portion of heating probe 20 comprises a cylindricallyshaped sheath 32 complementarily dimensioned to probe-receiving recess27. This sheath, which is also preferably constructed of ahigh-heat-conductivity metalsuch as aluminum or stainless stell, isenclosed at its top end and opens at its bottom end into the interior ofthe housing 14 of base portion 13. Sheath 32 is secured to housing 14 bymeans of a flange 33 provided about its open end, the flange beingsecured by a suitable high-temperature ad- 'hesive or cement 34to'housing 14, or by heat deformation of the adjacent margins of housing14. Housing 12 and housing 14 are preferably molded of a hightemperaturethermoplastic material such as polypropylene, and may be colored toprovide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. f I

To heat sheath 32 to a desired temperature, an electrical heaterelement35, which may be a conventional ceramic-body type element, ispositioned. within and concentric to the sheath. The heater elementincludes a hollow center core section within which a thermostat 36 ispositioned; One'side of the incoming line, as represented by line cord24, is connected by a safety fuse 37 to one terminal of heating element35. The other terminal of element 35 is connected to the other side ofthe AC line through thermostat 36, which interrupts current flow to theheating element when the tempera-- ture sensed within, the elementexceeds a predetermined maximum level. A neon indicator lamp 38 isconnected across thermostat 36 to provide through indicator jewel 22 anindication to the operator that the heating probe has reached operatingtemperature an the product can be dispensed.

Referring to FIGS. 4-8, the discharge nozzle 19 of product container 18seats against a receiving port 40 molded into housing 12. This receivingport is connected by an axially-aligned passageway4l to aradially-extending channel 42, which connects with a first verticalchannel .43 extending longitudinally along the side wall of recess 27.Channel 43 extends to the bottom of recess 27 where it connects with afirst circumferential channel 44, which extends .part way around thecircumference of recess 27 adjacent the open end of the recess. Channel44 connects with a second longitudinally-extending channel 45, whichextends to the top end of recess 27 where it connects with a channel 46molded into the top of the recess. Channel 46 connects with a thirdlongitudinally-extending passageway 47 which extends downwardly toconnect with a second circumferential channel 48 adjacent the open endof the recess. Channel 48 connects with a fourth longitudinal channel49, which extends part way up recess 27 to connect with discharge port16.

It will be appreciated that the channels 41-49 molded into housing 12each have an open side and therefore cannot function as passageways forconveying the fluid product to discharge port 16 absent a covering overthese open sides. In accordance with the aforementioned application ofthe present applicant, Ser. No. 359,026, this covering is provided indispensing device by means of sleeve 28, the body portion of the sleevecovering channels 43, 44, 45, 47, 48 and 49, and the end portion of thesleeve covering channels 42 and 46. Alternatively, it will beappreciated that sleeve 28 can be omitted and the same result can beobtained by covering action of the surface of heating probe 20, thelatter element being then dimensioned to closely engage the inside wallof recess 27. In either case, the insertion of sleeve 28 or probe 20effectively converts the three-sided channels 42-49 to four-sidedpassageways, and to avoid confusion the channels will henceforth bereferred to as such. The product flow through passageways 41-49 can beseen in FIG. 8,,housing l2 and heating probe 20 being omitted thereinfor clarity and the flow of the product being indicated by arrows.

The provision of open-sided channels instead of enclosedpassageways inhousing 12 is of great advantage in manufacturing the dispensing device,since it obviates the need for molding a complex labyrinth ofinterconnecting passageways into the housing and thereby enables thehousing to be formed by a simple singlestep molding process. All that isnecessary is to mold the channels into the housing with theinitialhousing molding operation, and then in a subsequent step in theassembly process to insert the sleeve 28 into position. Once sleeve 28has been firmly seated, all passageways are complete and the productdispenser is ready for service.

Another advantage of the present passageway configuration is that byremoving heating probe 20 and sleeve 28 it is possible to thoroughlyclean all of the interconnecting passageways. This was not possible withprior-art devices because the passageways were established at the timeof the initial molding operation and therefore ready access to thepassageways could be obtained only with great difficulty. Furthermore,with the present unit, once the base portion 13 of the dispensingdevice, with its associated electrical circuitry, is removed from thebody portion 11, the entire body housing 12 can be immersed in water andall remnants of the previously-used product can be washed or brushedaway.

In accordance with the present invention, for optimum stability andconvenience in use and for maximum economy in manufacture the heatingprobe 20 in dispensing device 10 is arranged in vertical upstandingorientation on base portion 13. To this end, the top surface of thehousing 14 of base portion 13 is provided with an annular opening forreceiving the heating probe sheath 32, and the circumferential flange 33provided about the mouth of the sheath 32 is cemented to housing 14 atthe rim of the annular opening. The bottom end of housing 14 ispreferably closed by means of a cover plate 50, and the four rubber legs23 are mounted to housing 14 at the circumference of cover plate toprovide a stable slip-resistant engagement with a-flat supportingsurface. Line cord 24' enters the enclosed base housing 14 through anopening provided in cover plate 50, and indicator lamp 38 is held inplace Y against indicator jewel 22 by a spring clip 51.

In operation, once line cord 24 has been connected to a source of linecurrent and heating probe 20 has reached operating temperature, all theuser need do to obtain a heated quantity of the product is to depresscontainer 18. This forces nozzle 19 against the productreceiving port40, opening the internal valve of the container and discharging theproduct under pressure into passageway 41. The product progresses alongpassageway 41 until it reaches passageway 42 where, by reason of theoverlying sleeve 28, the product is forced along passageways42-49 todischarge port 16.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, means in the form ofa removable tab 52 are provided for preventing the discharge nozzle 19of product container 18 from being accidentally depressed. Tab 52 isdisposed edgewise to extend transversely through an aperture 53 providedin housing 12 and into the space between the inverted end of container18 and inlet port 40. While tab 52 is in position product container 18cannot be depressed and discharge nozzle 19 cannot be actuated. When tab52 is removed by the user prior to use of the dispensing device, productcontainer 18 can be depressed to open discharge nozzle 19. The user mayreinsert tab 52 at any time to prevent inadvertent actuation of nozzle19, as when packing the dispensing device in a suitcase.

As the product proceeds along passageways 41-49, it is in direct contactwith sleeve 28,'which we have seen is formed of a high-heat-conductivitymetal such as aluminum. Since this sleeve is in turn in contact with theheater sheath 32, also a metal of high-heatconductivity, which-in turnis in contact with electric heating element 35, a high degree of heattransfer is obtained between heating probe 20 and the product. Thus, theproduct is thoroughly heated to a desired temperature by the time it isdispensed through aperture 16 to the user. I

The ceramic heater element 35 is supplied with current by way of linecord 24, the high-temperature fuse 37 and the thermostat 36. Fuse 37 isprovided to interrupt current flow to the ceramic heating element shouldthermostat 36 fail for any reason and the temperature in the probebecome excessive. Normally, thermostat 36 opens when the probe reaches apredetermined maximum temperature, typically in the order of F, andcloses when the temperature of the probe falls to a predeterminedminimum temperature, typically 160F. By reason of the thermal mass ofelectric heater element 35 heat is retained in the probe even when theheating element is not energized, so that a relatively uniformtemperature in the range of 160 to is obtained in practice.

The neon lamp 38 is connected across thermostat 36 to indicate bylighting when the thermostat is open and the probe is at operatingtemperature. When the thermostat is closed lamp 38 is shorted and doesnot light, indicating that the heating element is heating.

Upon completion of the dispensing operation, the base and body portionsof the dispensing device may be separated and the base portion used, ifdesired, in connection with other body portions for dispensing otherproducts. This results in a significant cost savings, since only onebase portion with its attendant heating elements and control circuitryneed by purchased for repeated use with various products and dispensers.The provision of sleeve 28 around the heating probe sheath 32facilitates this, since the probe is not in contact with the dispensedproduct and therefore need not be cleaned between uses.

The housing'12 of the body portion 11 of the dispensing device may bediscarded after the product container 18 has been completely exhausted,or may be utilized inconjunction with another container for either thesame or a different product. Should it be desired to use the dispenserto dispense another product, the various passageways of the housing canbe cleaned after heating probe 20 and the aluminum sleeve 28 have beenremoved, as previously described.

It will be appreciated that other shapes and sizes of heating probes canbe used, and that the base for supporting the probe can also be ofvarious sizes and shapes. Also, other configurations could be employedfor the product conveying passageways, such as a spiral configurationabout the inside Surface of the probereceiving recess.

While product container 18 has heretofore been shown as an aerosol-typecontainer, it will be appreciated that other types of dispensers orcontainers can be used with a dispensing device constructed inaccordance with the invention. For example, it would be possible toutilize-a container'having flexible side walls wherein the user, bysqueezing the walls, forces the product out into the dispensing device.Alternatively, a plunger-like arrangement could be provided such thatwhen the plunger is depressed by the user a quantity of the product isforced out into the dispensing device.

, The novel vertical arrangement of the heating probe provided by thepresent invention'increases the convenience and utility of thedispensing device, while at the same-time reducing its costzBecauseprobe 20 is held by base portion 13 in a vertical position, the, bodypor tion 11 of the dispensing device can be attached to the base portion13 by merely aligning the heating probe with the probe-receiving recess27 provided in housing 12. Housing 12 is then pressed down over the baseportion until the two housings come into contact, forming a unitaryaesthetically pleasing assembly. This arrangement has the advantage ofproviding a stable support platform for the heating probe 20 because ofthe wide spacing of mounting feet 23 on housing 14 and the concentrationof weight within the housing. If desired, additional weights can beincluded in the base portion for further stabilization. I

Another advantage of the vertical orientation of the heating probe isthat the discharge nozzle 19 of product container 18 is axially alignedwith the probe-receiving recess 27. This simplifies the arrangement ofpassageways and provides for more economical manufacture of the bodyportion, since less material is required and all passageways includingthe inlet port can be molded in one operation. Since it is contemplatedthat body portion will be discarded after its attached product container18 is expended, any cost savings realized in that portion of thedispensing device are particularly desirable.

The storage of heating probe 20 is also facilitated by reason of theattached base, since the probe, even when hot, can be readily stored andwill always remain in an upright position. Furthermore, the extensionof'housing l4 upwardly around probe 20 aids in protecting the user fromburns suffered from inadvertent contact with the heating probe surface.

The removable tab assembly provided by the invention for preventinginadvertent actuation of the dispensing device during storage andtransit facilitates marketing the body portion of the dispensing devicewith the, product container installed, thereby adding further'to userconvenience.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown anddescribed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the. art that changesand modifications may be made without departing from the invention inits broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims istocoverallsuch changes and modifications as fall within the true spiritand scope of the invention. 1

I claim:

l. A dispensing device for dispensing a heated fluid product from acontainer having a discharge nozzle at one end, said device comprising,in combination:

a base portion comprising a heating probe and a base for supporting'saidheating probe in a vertical upstanding position; I

a body portion comprising a housing having top, bottom and side faces,means for receiving said product container on said top face, adispensing port for delivering said product to a user on said side face,

and a recess on said bottom face for slidably receiving said heatingprobe to render said body portion removable from said base portion;

and

means comprising a plurality of communicating channels, at least twoofwhich-extend longitudinally along the inside surface of said 1probereceiving recess, and a heat-conductive sleeve inserted into saidprobe-receiving recess over said channels for'forming passageways forconveying said product from said container to said discharge nozzle inclose proximity to said probe whereby said product is heated prior tobeing discharged.

2. A dispensing device as defined in claim 1 wherein said containercomprises an aerosol type container in which said fluid product iscontained under pressure.

3. A dispensing device as definedin claim .2 wherein said productcontainer has a normal position when received in said product containerrecess, and an actuated position when dispensing said product, and inwhich a removable tab is provided for preventing said product containerfrom being placed in said actuated position during shipment.

4. A dispensing device fordispensing a heated flui product from anaerosol spray-type container having a discharge nozzleat one end, saiddevice comprising, in combination:

a probe-shaped heating element;

a base portion comprising a housing for supporting said heating elementin a vertical position relative to an underlying supporting surface;

a body portion removably mounted to said base portion comprising ahousing having top, bottom and side walls, an aperture in said top wallfor receiving said product container, a dispensing port in said sidewall for delivering said product to a user, and a recess in said bottomwall for slidably receiving said probe-shaped heating element; and

means comprising a passageway in said body portion for conveying saidproduct from said discharge nozzle to said dispensing port, at least aportion of said passageway comprising in part a channel molded into theinside surface of said probereceiving recess for conveying said productin close proximity to said heating probe to heat said product prior todischarge.

10 7. A dispensing device as defined in claim 6 wherein said baseportion has a side wall and wherein the dimensions of the top margin ofsaid base side wall correspond to the dimensions of the bottom margin ofsaid side wall of said body portion to produce the appearance of asingle unitary housing when said body and base portions are joined.

1. A dispensing device for dispensing a heated fluid product from acontainer having a discharge nozzle at one end, said device comprising,in combination: a base portion comprising a heating probe and a base forsupporting said heating probe in a vertical upstanding position; a bodyportion comprising a housing having top, bottom and side faces, meansfor receiving said product container on said top face, a dispensing portfor delivering said product to a user on said side face, and a recess onsaid bottom face for slidably receiving said heating probe to rendersaid body portion removable from said base portion; and means comprisinga plurality of communicating channels, at least two of which extendlongitudinally along the inside surface of said probe-receiving recess,and a heat-conductive sleeve inserted into said probe-receiving recessover said channels for forming passageways for conveying said productfrom said container to said discharge nozzle in close proximity to saidprobe whereby said product is heated prior to being discharged.
 2. Adispensing device as defined in claim 1 wherein said container comprisesan aerosol-type container in which said fluid product is contained underpressure.
 3. A dispensing device as defined in claim 2 wherein saidproduct container has a normal position when received in said productcontainer recess, and an actuated position when dispensing said product,and in which a removable tab is provided for preventing said productcontainer from being placed in said actuated position during shipment.4. A dispensing device for dispensing a heated fluid product from anaerosol spray-type container having a discharge nozzle at one end, saiddevice comprising, in combination: a probe-shaped heating element; abase portion comprising a housing for supporting said heating element ina vertical position relative to an underlying supporting surface; a bodyportion removably mounted to said base portion comprising a housinghaving top, bottom and side walls, an aperture in said top wall forreceiving said product container, a dispensing port in said side wallfor delivering said product to a user, and a recess in said bottom wallfor slidably receiving said probe-shaped heating element; and meanscomprising a passageway in said body portion for conveying said productfrom said discharge nozzle to said dispensing port, at least a portionof said passageway comprising in part a channel molded into the insidesurface of said probe-receiving recess for conveying said product inclose proximity to said heating probe to heat said product prior todischarge.
 5. A dispensing device as defined in claim 4 wherein saidheating element is cylindrical, and said recess comprises a cylindricalbore in said bottom wall.
 6. A dispensing device as defined in claim 4wherein said housing of said base portion has a substantially flat topwall, a substantially flat bottom wall parallel to and spaced apart fromsaid top wall, and wherein the axis of said probe-shaped heating elementis substantially perpendicular to said top and bottom walls.
 7. Adispensing device as defined in claim 6 wherein said base portion has aside wall and wherein the dimensions of the top margin of said base sidewall correspond to the dimensions of the bottom margin of said side wallof said body portion to produce the appearance of a single unitaryhousing when said body and base portions are joined.